Irish tax to target gum, fast food packs

Irish environment minister Martin Cullen has announced plans to introduce a tax targeting chewing gum, polystyrene fast food packaging and cashpoint receipts littering the streets. "My plan is to end polystyrene," he said. "If companies are slow in doing so, I will use a levy to bring about the changeover." The plans follow the introduction of a similar levy on plastic carrier bags last year, with the revenue ringfenced for an environmental fund worth €55m in 2003 (EED 22/08/02). Detailed proposals will be put before the Irish cabinet this autumn. See press release.

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